January Newsletter
From the Social Work and Counseling Team
Welcome Back!
We hope you had a relaxing and restful holiday break, and feel ready to take on the second semester. We know transitions can be both exciting and challenging. Know that we are here to help you figure things out.
We have some important information to share about upcoming events and some ideas about staying motivated. Let's partner together to have a great rest of the school year!
Meet your Counselor
Brandon Tate
Email: brandon.tate@pfisd.net
Phone: 512-594-2026
Yolanda Henry
Jackie Soto
Meet your Social Worker
Madeline Cardone
Korbin McCarthy
UT Social Work Intern, MSSW
Room A-106
Social Work Scoop
Pflugerville Pfamily Resource Pfair
Saturday, January 21st: Pflugerville Pfamily Resource Pfair
- PfISD Social Work Department invites you to join us for a Pflugerville Resource Pfair. This event will be held Saturday, January 21st from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Rock Gym. Learn about insurance, employment, mental and physical health, housing information, and more!
Counselor Corner
Reminder for ALL students
Choice sheets for the 23-24 school year went out last week! Choice sheets will be turned into your Advisory teacher. Please complete ALL portions, including your parent/guardian signature, by JANUARY 27th.
Attention all 8th Graders!
Thursday, January 19th: 8th Grade Invasion
- ALL of the 8th grade students will be visiting Pflugerville High School from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. They will tour facilities and learn about the courses, programs, and activities available to them as they prepare for 9th grade and beyond.
19 de enero: Invasión de octavo grado:
- TODOS los estudiantes de 8º grado visitarán la Escuela Secundaria Pflugerville de 9:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m. Recorrerán las instalaciones y aprenderán sobre los cursos, programas y actividades disponibles para ellos mientras se preparan para el noveno grado y más allá.
PHS Campus Showcase
From 6:00pm - 9:00pm families will get to tour the campus and rooms. There will be presentations for parents/students to see: ACC&Dual Credit, Advanced & AP Course Info., OnRamps, and much more.
5th Grade Parent Night
Monday, January 30th: 5th Grade Parent Night
- Parents of incoming 5th grade students can find out more information about next school year from our counseling and administrative team.
Please contact Ms. Soto with any questions.
8th Grade Parents: Is your student interested in pursuing a career in Computer Programming or Teaching?
PfISD is pleased to offer two Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) Academies in the career fields of IT and Education. P-TECH schools are innovative open-enrollment high schools that allow students an opportunity to receive an associate degree and industry-based certificate while in high school.
Our Computer and Information Technology Academy (CIT) at Connally High School and the Pfuture Teachers Academy at Weiss High School are open to any rising 9th grader in the district (transportation is provided). Applications to the P-TECH academies open on January 15th. The deadline to apply is March 15.
Students must complete the application found HERE and it is only available to current 8th graders. Students who are not zoned to Connally High School will be awarded an automatic transfer upon acceptance to the P-TECH Academy.
Any 8th grade parent interested in learning more is welcome to attend either of the following meetings:
- Pfuture Teachers Academy - Tuesday, February 7th at 5:30 PM at Weiss High School
- CIT Academy - Wednesday, February 8th at 5:30 PM at Connally High School
If parents are unable to make it to those meetings, we will also host a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, February 21st for both programs.
Please RSVP for the Parent Meeting here: P-TECH Parent Meeting RSVP Form
(Click the title above to learn more about early warning signs)
Individuals who are experiencing trafficking may present with various physical, behavioral, and environmental indicators. While it is critical that service providers consider each patient or client individually, recognizing potential indicators of trafficking may be the first step toward ensuring that the individual receives the care they need. This fact sheet provides examples of these indicators, but it should not be considered a definitive, nor exhaustive, list.
If you believe you have information about a potential trafficking situation call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Hotline advocates are available 24/7. All reports are confidential and you may remain anonymous.
Join the PMS Multicultural Club!
The Multicultural Club meets on Thursday afternoons at 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM in room A-106. Students of all ages allowed to participate! Contact Ms. Cardone or Ms. Soto for more details.
Next meeting, we will be celebrating Lunar New Year with guest speaker Ms. Nguyen. Lunar New Year is Sunday, January 22 and is observed by numerous cultures. The festival indicates the beginning of spring and arrival of the new year. For 2023, we ring in the Year of the Rabbit.
🙈🙉🙊 New Year, New Mindset! 🙈🙉🙊
Need Extra Food for the Weekend?
Backpack Friends is a local non-profit whose mission is to wipeout weekend hunger in local communities. If you need extra food over the weekend please email Ms. Cardone at madeline.cardone@pfisd.net so that she can call your parent/guardian. We have a limited number of students that can enroll in this program so act fast if you/your family can benefit from this program.
Weekend meal kits contain items such as cereal, crackers, granola bars, peanut butter, applesauce, and milk. Feel free to have your parent/guardian call 512-594-2106 or email Ms. Cardone if they have questions or want to enroll.
Join us and learn about monthly resources and updates!
Email your grade level counselor or social worker for more information.